Record River Flooding Forces Evacuations Near the Georgia-Tennessee Line

A flash flooding emergency is developing over portions of the Southeast as heavy rain grips the region. Read on for the details of this dire situation unfolding near the Georgia and Tennessee border.

Flash Flooding Emergency Unfolding in the Southeast

Dozens of people have been rescued over the last several hours near the Georgia and Tennessee border after over a foot of rain fell across the region. Flash flood emergencies were issued early Thursday for Polk County, Tennessee, and across the border in Fannin County, Georgia. Storms erupting on the southern flank of a cross-country weather event are responsible for the heavy rain and resulting flooding.

McCaysville, Georgia, is ground zero for the worst of the flooding. Emergency crews are on the scene performing boat and aerial rescues. Residents of some neighborhoods in McCaysville were forced to evacuate with just a moment's notice at about 3 am local time.  Swiftwater rescue teams have been deployed to the community as water continues to surge into homes and businesses.

The City of McCaysville declared a state of emergency at about 5 am. Impacted individuals are being instructed to go to a county recreation center that is serving as an emergency shelter. Floodwater is covering State Route 5 near the Tennessee border, making travel difficult throughout the region.

The intersection near West Tennessee Avenue and East Tennessee Avenue in McCaysville has been hit particularly hard. Residents in this area were ordered to leave immediately. “We are urging everyone to STAY AWAY FROM THE CITY OF McCAYSVILLE. Do not attempt to enter the city, bypass barricades, or interfere with ongoing emergency operations,” McCaysville Public Safety Director Michael Earley posted on Facebook.